Police Minister, General Bheki Cele over the past week has been visiting areas throughout South Africa to assess the actions being taken during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the visits in Secunda and Witbank, four taxis were impounded after they were found not to be following the rules set in place.
“Minister Cele was accompanied by Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale, Premier of Mpumalanga Ms Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, MEC for Community Safety and Liaison Ms Gabsile Shabalala as well as the National Commissioner, General Kehla Sitole, Deputy National Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sindile Mfazi, and management of the SAPS in the Province.” said Brig Mathapelo Peters
After the minister addressed law enforcement officers and health practitioners he went on to visit the local shopping centres and taxi ranks in the area.
While the duties were underway one taxi rank in Witbank was found to be overloading passengers and Police were forced to impound four of the taxi vehicles. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been restrictions put in place to hold lower capacity and only allowed to work during set times to restrict the spread of the virus.
Alongside the taxi impounding an “established,” chain store was put into the firing line after the manager was found to have the deli counter working in full capacity selling cooked food. This resulted in the arrest of the manager and this was carried out while Minister Cele was present.
“Minister Cele welcomed the efforts of the business sector, especially mall managers who continue to put measures in place to assist the government in curbing the spread of the coronavirus.” said Brig Mathapelo Peters
